Choosing Between Delonghi Magnifica S vs Eletta: Which Espresso Maker Is Worth The Investment?

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It takes me 3 months to find out the winner between Delonghi Magnifica S vs Eletta, and now I’m going to give you the answer. Delonghi Eletta is the final winner.

Eletta offers amazingly robust, flavorful, and aromatic espressos. I’m impressed by its milk-based beverages, especially cappuccino, since the microfoam is to die for. The coffee temperature always comes out hot, and I don’t have to warm the cup beforehand. I recommend this model to any homeowner out there.

Delonghi Magnifica S also makes flavorful and balanced espresso and at its low price range, its milk system makes the machine a good deal. But, I have experienced some troubles with the grinder, and coffee temperature. I will explain further below.

Delonghi Magnifica S vs Eletta: Comparison Chart

Image
The Winner (#1)
De'Longhi Eletta Digital Super Automatic Espresso Machine with Latte Crema System, Black
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Delonghi ECAM23120SB Magnifica S Express Super Automatic Espresso Machine, Silver
Model
DeLonghi Eletta ECAM45760B
DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM23120SB
Dimensions (LxWxH)
18.4 x 14.2 x 10.2 Inches
19.2 x 11.5 x 16.3 Inches
Color / Material
Black / Stainless Steel
Silver/ ‎Stainless Steel
Weight / Power / Voltage
24.2 pounds / 1450W/ 220V
24.4 Pounds/ 1450W/ 120V
Water Tank Capacity
67oz
60.8oz
Bean Hopper Size
14oz
8.8oz
Grind Size Settings
13
13
Interface
Touchscreen and Buttons
Buttons and Dial Knob
Automatic Shut-Off
Cup Warming Tray
Auto Rinse
Milk-based One touch Recipes
Coffee Grinder
Stainless Steel Conical Burr Grinder
Burr Grinder
Steam Wand
Pannarello/ Carafe
Pannarello/ Carafe
Noise Level
A bit noisy
Normal
Milk System
Adjustable from creamy to microfoam
Adjustable from creamy to microfoam
What I Like
Price
$3,429.07
$599.99
The Winner (#1)
Image
De'Longhi Eletta Digital Super Automatic Espresso Machine with Latte Crema System, Black
Model
DeLonghi Eletta ECAM45760B
Dimensions (LxWxH)
18.4 x 14.2 x 10.2 Inches
Color / Material
Black / Stainless Steel
Weight / Power / Voltage
24.2 pounds / 1450W/ 220V
Water Tank Capacity
67oz
Bean Hopper Size
14oz
Grind Size Settings
13
Interface
Touchscreen and Buttons
Automatic Shut-Off
Cup Warming Tray
Auto Rinse
Milk-based One touch Recipes
Coffee Grinder
Stainless Steel Conical Burr Grinder
Steam Wand
Pannarello/ Carafe
Noise Level
A bit noisy
Milk System
Adjustable from creamy to microfoam
What I Like
Price
$3,429.07
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
Delonghi ECAM23120SB Magnifica S Express Super Automatic Espresso Machine, Silver
Model
DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM23120SB
Dimensions (LxWxH)
19.2 x 11.5 x 16.3 Inches
Color / Material
Silver/ ‎Stainless Steel
Weight / Power / Voltage
24.4 Pounds/ 1450W/ 120V
Water Tank Capacity
60.8oz
Bean Hopper Size
8.8oz
Grind Size Settings
13
Interface
Buttons and Dial Knob
Automatic Shut-Off
Cup Warming Tray
Auto Rinse
Milk-based One touch Recipes
Coffee Grinder
Burr Grinder
Steam Wand
Pannarello/ Carafe
Noise Level
Normal
Milk System
Adjustable from creamy to microfoam
What I Like
Price
$599.99
More Info

Last update on 2023-01-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Delonghi Magnifica S vs Eletta: Differences

Delonghi Eletta wins 3 to 1 against Magnifica S thanks to its robust espresso flavor, consistent grinder operation, and top milk foam quality, among other small features. Find out further below.

Coffee Flavor: Delonghi Eletta

+Grinder

Both models use conical burr grinders with 13 levels to grind coffee beans, but I have found major differences between Delonghi Magnifica S and Eletta’s grinders.

Eletta’s grinder is much more stable, I never truly encounter any problem with it. I have checked the used pucks container, and, judging from the quality of the pucks. The grinder delivers even ground as well. But, the grinder is indeed a tad noisy.

Eletta’s grinder is stable and delivers even ground
Eletta’s grinder is stable and delivers even ground

After I hit a button to brew any coffee, the grinding step always happens first, and it makes quite a bit of sound. But, in the brewing step, this isn’t a problem anymore.

With Magnifica S’s grinder, I have been struggling with making sure that the beans pass from the bypass doser to the grinder, because sometimes they don’t do it by themselves. I frequently have to use a spatula to push them down the grinder. Nevertheless, I won’t say that it is a common problem of this product line.

+Dosing + tamping

The dosing and tamping step are 100% automatic, so you won’t have to touch any button if you don’t want to. But the option of changing the dose is there. You can do it by adjusting the coffee strength.

+Heating system

These machines use 2 Thermoblocks heating system, which ensures that the water heats up to high temperature quickly. Despite the similarity in their heating system, I still find some slight differences in their performances.

Delonghi Eletta does a better job at controlling the temperature. From the coffee to the milk, everything is hot and steamy. Meanwhile, Delonghi Magnifica S tends to brew less hot coffee.

Delonghi Magnifica S tends to brew warm coffees
Delonghi Magnifica S tends to brew warm coffees

Utilities: Tie

Both models have one-touch milk-based drinks like latte, cappuccino, or flat white. One touch of a button gives you a cup of cappuccino, for example, in less than a minute. Flavor-wise, both make tasty milk-based drinks.

Milk system: Tie

I’m very impressed by these models’ milk foam quality. If it were not because of their compact water tank, I would say that these espresso makers are ideal even for commercial purposes.

Both can make steamed milk and microfoam. The milk texture depends on your preference entirely.

Cleaning & Maintain: Delonghi Eletta

Delonghi Eletta wins thanks to its auto-purge function. After a brewing session, the machine automatically flushes hot water through the tap to cleanse it from any leftover coffee.

As for the milk system, when you use the milk carafe, there is an option to clean it briefly. Overall, cleaning Eletta is an easy task.

Delonghi Eletta has an auto-purge function
Delonghi Eletta has an auto-purge function

Delonghi Magnifica S vs Eletta: Similarities

These 2 simple similarities can seal the deal. I believe any espresso machine should have an auto shut-off function and a cup warming tray. Luckily, both Delonghi Magnifica S and Eletta offer these conveniences.

Auto shut-off

Both models can shut off automatically after a while of not being used. This feature helps save electricity, and their lifespan is further improved as well. Always get an espresso maker with an auto shut-off feature if you can.

Cup warming tray

The cup warming trays make sure that your coffee doesn’t cool off quickly, and in case you own a machine that doesn’t brew hot coffee, this feature is 100% vital. In general, you can make great use of a cup warming tray to ensure that your coffee comes out hot.

Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Eletta

De'Longhi Eletta Digital Super Automatic Espresso Machine with Latte Crema System, Black
196 Reviews
De'Longhi Eletta Digital Super Automatic Espresso Machine with Latte Crema System, Black
  • Fresh Espresso for every cup the integrated burr grinder with adjustable settings grinds fresh beans every time to ensure maximum freshness. You can also use pre-ground in the second chamber – your choice of regular, specialty or decaf.
  • The de’longhi lattecrema system creates perfectly layered Espresso beverages, with dense, rich, long-lasting foam in every cup from start to finish.
  • Consistent brewing every time Each cup is automatically brewed to the perfect temperature, richness and density. And, you can customize the settings to ensure it’s always just the way you like it.
  • Maintenance:  de’longhi machines require half the cleaning time of other brands, unlike competitor machines, which require chemical cleaning tablets monthly.
  • Warranties may not apply to purchases from an unauthorized retailer.

Last update on 2023-01-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Quick and effective brewing performance
  • Coffee flavor comes out robust, nuanced and authentic
  • The one-touch controls are intuitive and responsive
  • The coffee grinder works consistently with the best espresso taste
  • Great adjustable milk system for velvety steamed milk and dry microfoam
  • Fast and long-lasting automatic cleaning functions
Cons
  • A bit noisy when grinding coffee beans

Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Magnifica S

Delonghi ECAM23120SB Magnifica S Express Super Automatic Espresso Machine, Silver
  • 15 bar pressure for brewing excellence and consistent results, with integrated silent burr grinder
  • Select steam milk or froth milk with the hot milk/cappuccino selector
  • Saves up to 77-percent energy with energy-saving switch and single boiler system
  • Removable 1.8 litre (60 oz) water tank with water level indicator
  • Long coffee function allows you to enjoy drip style coffee, plus a hot water spout for tea or hot chocolate

Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Quick performance with hardly any delay
  • Convenient to use with minimal maintenance
  • Manual steam wand and stainless steel grinder
  • The milk system can froth various milk texture
  • Microfoam is its strength
  • It prepares coffee and espresso with a touch of a button
Cons
  • The grinder sometimes is faulty and doesn’t bring coffee beans down from the bypass doser

Product Videos

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References:

Delonghi Eletta: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/eletta-automatic-espresso-machine-cappuccino-maker-ecam45760b/p/ECAM45760B

Delonghi Magnifica S: https://www.delonghi.com/en/ecam22-110-b-magnifica-s-automatic-coffee-maker/p/ECAM22.110.B

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